State Regulators Say 21 Nursing Homes Yet To Follow Rules

State regulators say 21 nursing homes are not following new rules put in place after residents died in a South Florida nursing home.

After Hurricane Irma, Gov. Rick Scott's administration pushed through emergency rules that require nursing homes to have generators capable of providing backup power for four days.

The rules have been legally challenged, but the Agency for Health Care Administration has said nursing homes must still comply with them or seek a variance. The agency said the 21 homes will be subjected to a $1,000-a-day fine if they are not in compliance by Nov. 15.

LeadingAge Florida, a group that represents nursing homes, contended the number released by the state - originally 23 - is incorrect. They also said there is still confusion over whether homes have to comply with the mandate.

Later Wednesday, AHCA Communications Director Mallory McManus said: "Two nursing homes were incorrectly included on this list. Both Marion and Bernard L Samson Nursing Center and Calusa Harbor submitted plans on October 26, 2017. Our goal is to keep the public informed and help facilities come into compliance. As this process moves forward, we will be putting out additional information. This information will be updated on our website as soon as possible."

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Long-term care providers are receiving conflicting messages about whether they have to comply with a Tuesday deadline in a state attempt to require emergency generators, but an administrative law judge says he doesn't have the power to help clear up questions.

At least 21 more long-term care providers have filed requests for variances with the state Agency for Health Care Administration as they seek additional time to comply with Gov Rick Scott's mandate that they add generators that can power air-conditioning systems.